Ohio senator introduces state’s second uniform speed bill

Ohio
state Sen. Lynn Wachtmann on May 21 introduced the state’s second
bill in a week calling for the end of split speed limits.

SB94
would eliminate provisions in Ohio law that set up a slower speed
for vehicles with a gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds.

Currently,
those vehicles are required to travel 55 mph – 10 mph below the
65 mph limit for other vehicles. Under the new bill, all vehicles
would have a 65 mph speed limit. Highways in urban areas would remain
at 55 mph for big rigs.

“Studies
indicate that highways are safer when all motorists travel at the
same general rate of speed,” Wachtmann, R-Napoleon, said in a statement.
“Differences in speed between trucks and cars create unsafe highways.”

Research
collected by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association
concludes that the difference in vehicle speeds, not excessive speed,
contributes to accidents. Collisions occur when trucks and cars
must change lanes and pass more frequently.

OOIDA
reports that Ohio has the fifth highest volume of truck traffic
in the United States.

“Given
the amount of truck travel in our state, it is crucial that we implement
strategies that will continue to decrease accidents and protect
all motorists on Ohio’s roadways,” Gibbs said in a statement. “Many
states have a uniform speed limit for cars and trucks and have seen
a decrease in certain types of accidents.”